The Ma Family.
Ranked third from the bottom among the ten great families of Nansheng, their position in the province was undeniable despite their low ranking.
The Ma family lineage was indigenous to Nansheng.
They rose to prominence during the war years, and the old patriarch was even known as King Ma.
The Eleven Kings of Nansheng represented a peak era.
Like the Underworld King, they had long since retired, detached from worldly affairs, and served as ancestral guardians of the clan.
The old patriarch, Ma Heyun, had two sons and one daughter. Over time, the family grew, with the core members alone numbering forty to fifty.
Among them, Ma Xiwen and Ma Yuan were the old master's most favored grandsons.
One displayed astonishing talent in business, while the other, as if divinely assisted in medicine, eventually became a military doctor with a military rank.
Perhaps the Ma family was on the cusp of reaching its zenith in this generation.
"It's fortunate that Xiwen and Xiao Yuan could return for the family banquet today. Alright, today is just a family gathering. Let's all chat and be casual."
As people age, they cherish family reunions. Seeing the family harmonious and prosperous brought him joy.
As elders, their greatest pleasure was always seeing their children and grandchildren live well.
"Xiwen is already thirty. Have you found anyone you like?"
As people age, they start to urge marriage, and no one was an exception.
Just as Ma Xiwen was about to speak, the main door was opened.
Three figures appeared, drawing everyone's attention.
The current patriarch, Dr. Ma, frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "Young men, are you here to cause trouble at the Ma family?"
There would be no outsiders at today's family banquet.
Given the Ma family's stature, all external guests were refused today.
At this moment, a cold, gleaming dagger was pressed against the neck of the Ma family's head butler.
The middle-aged young man was imposing, with an aura of leadership that commanded attention.
Xuan Niao surveyed the scene, slightly raising his head. "My master has come to claim someone. I advise you, my master is in a very bad mood, so you'd best hand them over obediently, or face the consequences."
From Xuan Niao's perspective, it was indeed advice.
But to the Ma family members, it sounded entirely different.
"You dare to come to our Ma family to stir up trouble and demand we hand over someone? If we just yielded to your words, how could our Ma family stand in Nansheng?"
Ye Longlin's gaze fell upon Ma Yuan, and he slowly said, "Some things require someone to pay the price."
Upon seeing Ye Longlin, Ma Xiwen's eyes widened with fear. He couldn't forget the scene of Ye Longlin in military uniform, with five stars on his shoulders!
This was a legendary figure. Seeing him twice in one day, Ma Xiwen's composure began to crumble.
Ma Xiwen couldn't help but lower his voice and ask Ma Yuan beside him, "What the hell did you do to provoke him?"
Ma Yuan frowned. "Didn't you ask me to look after Zhao Qian?"
Instantly, Ma Xiwen's heart sank. He realized something was amiss, and his face turned extremely grim.
This foolish subordinate had clearly misunderstood his intentions!
When he said "look after," he meant genuine care, not "take care of"!
Simultaneously, Ma family guards arrived, radiating killing intent and wielding long sabers.
Ma Heyun picked up a wet towel, gently wiped his lips, and said slowly, "I believe I haven't offended anyone recently. Are you perhaps going too far?"
Ye Longlin looked up and raised his hand to signal: "Block me, and you die."
As his words fell, all the guards present at the Ma family felt an immense pressure descend from above.
Boom!
Wherever Ye Longlin passed, the guards fell to their knees in an instant, as if... paying homage to a king!
Ma Heyun said softly, "I'm in a good mood today, so I'm willing to overlook your insolence.
Go back where you came from! I'm hosting a family banquet today and don't wish to deal with any trouble. Guards, escort them out!"
His attitude was extremely firm as he issued the order for them to leave.
Ye Longlin ignored him and, with a raise of his hand, Ma Yuan's body was uncontrollably propelled towards Ye Longlin. One hand gripped his neck, lifting him high!
Ma Xiwen couldn't hold back any longer. He stood up and bowed to Ye Longlin, saying, "Mr. Ye, my brother may have offended you in some way. I implore you to forgive him and spare his life."
He was acutely aware that figures like Ye Longlin were ruthless killers, as they had risen from the battlefield.
"People must pay the price for their actions."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Longlin applied force in his hand, directly snapping his neck!
He wasn't dead, but he had a breath left.
Crack—
This slight sound caused everyone present to change their expression.
Ye Longlin then looked up at the Ma family members and said calmly, "I don't like to explain. Since the Ma family refuses to hand over the person, I will have to kill them."
Swish swish swish!
Led by Ma Heyun, a group of core members stood up, their eyes flashing with killing intent.
Ma Heyun had experienced the dark era of Nansheng, a time of rampant killing and widespread corpses.
His survival from that dark era and his ability to build such a large family meant he was no ordinary individual. Similarly, his influence and appeal in Nansheng were top-tier.
Now, he felt a strong sense of apprehension towards the young man.
"I can overlook your intention to kill my grandson, but you must give me an explanation!"
Ma Heyun clasped his hands behind his back, gazing calmly at Ye Longlin. This young man gave him a feeling of unfathomable depth.
For Ma Heyun, who was accustomed to maintaining control, this feeling was extremely unsettling.
Ye Longlin raised his eyes, and Yuan Gang and Xuan Niao's pupils contracted sharply. In an instant, they rapidly retreated towards the exit, their bodies radiating a fear that permeated their entire beings!
This scene undoubtedly startled the Ma family members present. Dozens of people suddenly became tense.
Who on earth was this person!
The first ones to be frightened were not the Ma family, their adversaries, but their own subordinates!
"As I said, I, Ye, never like to explain."
Boom!
Centered on him, an extremely violent aura emanated from his body, sweeping through the entire Ma family like a tidal wave, as if... the sky was collapsing!
The next moment.
Beneath his feet, countless marble slabs cracked in a spiderweb pattern, shattering into pieces, and spreading outwards rapidly in all directions.
Even more astonishingly, all the tables, porcelain, bowls, plates, and wine bottles at the scene exploded, leaving nothing intact!
Hiss hiss!
Everyone present felt their scalps tingle.
Such earth-shattering combat power was definitely not that of an ordinary person. Yet, such a figure had appeared in Nansheng without any prior intelligence reaching him. This...
Beneath his feet, a long sabre suddenly trembled, and then it levitated before everyone's eyes.
Ye Longlin brought his fingers together, pointed to the sky, and then abruptly brought them down!
Ssshh!
The long sabre instantly pierced Ma Yuan's neck, quickly extinguishing his life.
Meanwhile, Zhao Siyu, waiting outside and worried for Ye Longlin's safety, walked in at this moment. Upon witnessing the scene, her heart was overcome with shock.
"If the Ma family wishes to seek revenge, I will be waiting."
"But be prepared for annihilation!"